phase 2 – implementation of rpg process group

GOALS: of rpg (reconciliation process group)

Healing deep trauma that has generational roots is the heart of Phase Two. In researching societal trauma, such as genocide, experts writing to this subject reiterate a theme of steps along the journey of healing. The rpg (reconciliation process group) model combines these themes, sets them in a natural order of progression described by a set of three axes, and applies them to personal healing. After finishing Phase-1 we attend a Phase-2 rpg process group.

The six principles of positive resolution used in the rpg model are incorporated into Phase-2. They are:

1. Breaking the silence with Truth (through acknowledgement)
2. Building a safe “culture of healing” by Listening(with dialogue)

3. Group support to face the emotional pain of Change (through active grieving)
4. Allowing a grief process to build internal Integration(internal restructuring)

These six principles mark crucial developmental achievements along a pathway to healing. The healing process is guided by the above six principles of healing: Truth and Listening, Change and Integration, Dignity and Unity.

Design

Phase-2 is designed to build on phase-one’s educational groups. Group members will engage with the tasks of finding positive resolutions to the six polar tensions found in the rpg model. The goal of positive resolution is to achieve a balanced and meaningful reconciliation. Structured support, guidance derived from the healing principles, and appropriate facilitation are central for each member in order to experience healing.

SUMMARY OF PHASE-2

Introduction

The six “poles” in the rpg model are listed below. At each pole of the 3 axes is a principle to be activated. Each principle has an internal tension that must be resolved. Phase-2 has the goal of resolving these tensions in a positive manner in order to activate the principle. The principles followed by their inherent tensions are listed below:

Acknowledgement: Building trust. Breaking the silence. Facing an unresolved history that is still affecting our lives, families, society, culture, communities, churches, or other organizations today. Group activities:

Dialogue: Building a microcosm of a “healing culture” within the group. Becoming listeners and learners. Group activities:

a. Using “active listening” skills
b. Letting the speakers know they are heard
c. Respecting boundaries while giving support
d. Making use of the “speaker/listener” technique

Axis 2 North Pole–Change: Grieving verses Dysfunctional Grief

Grieving: Finding emotional support to face the pain that accompanies loss and change. Expressing grief in a supportive group. Group activities:

a. Connecting the impact of the story to behavior and choices
b. Exploring how the story shaped us
c. Letting grief guide us to new insights
d. Letting others in as part of the healing journey of active grief

a. Making room for “a complex self”
b. Identifying new behavior that better expresses who we are
c. Practicing new behavior (replacing old behavior with new)
d. Exploring possibilities for a different future

Axis 3 North Pole–Dignity: Forgiveness verses Unforgiveness

Forgiveness: Letting go of a hurtful past. Finding freedom in the present. Facing the future with a renewed personal inner freedom. Acting on new insights for our lives. Group activities:

a. Listing the wounds that have harmed us
b. Listing the harms we have done
c. Learning to release these injuries done to self and others
d. Learning healthy relational boundaries and skills
e. Exploring the freedom that comes with forgiveness

Axis 3 South Pole–Unity: Peace and Attachment verses Conflict

Unity: Connection and relationship. Attachment. Working together to bring about lasting relational change. Designing concrete projects to build a healthier culture within our homes and community. Enhancing our relational corner of the world. Group activities:

a. Preparing realistic reconciliatory and reparitve goals
b. Sharing goals with the group
c. Using the group to process the feelings
c. Developing a nurturing support system
d. Setting goals for continued growth and change